The part whole map asks students to identify the parts of an object or idea. They consider what might happen without that part and then decide what the function of the part is.
How to use a Part Whole Map?
Teachers or students can select an important object or idea that is relevant to the main topic. Once they are familiar with the different parts they can draw or describe the whole and what would happen if different parts were missing. Students can then deduce the important or unique function of that part.
Why use a Part Whole Map?
To analyse and object or idea and learn about its separate parts. Imagining a missing part makes its function clearly evident to students.
The Part Whole Map in Action
In the photos below, a Year 2 class is using the part whole map to learn about the functions of different parts of a caterpillar. Over two sessions the children became familiar with the names of the parts and their importance. They were then ready to analyse the parts in more detail and determine their functions.
Children move labels to identify the right part.
A completed part whole map with two teacher-selected parts, and two of the students' choices.
Other Examples of the Part Whole Map in Action
In the photos below, a different Year 2 class is using the part whole map to analyse a praying mantis. Starting the session by revisiting a shared book with photos of the praying mantis encouraged the children's observation skills. Before completing the part whole map individually, the children participated in a bus stop rotation using speaking frames
What is a Part Whole Map?
The part whole map asks students to identifythe parts of an object or idea. They consider
what might happen without that part and then
decide what the function of the part is.
How to use a Part Whole Map?
Teachers or students can select an importantobject or idea that is relevant to the main
topic. Once they are familiar with the different
parts they can draw or describe the whole and
what would happen if different parts were
missing. Students can then deduce the
important or unique function of that part.
Why use a Part Whole Map?
To analyse and object or idea and learn aboutits separate parts. Imagining a missing part makes
its function clearly evident to students.
The Part Whole Map in Action
In the photos below, a Year 2 class is using the part whole map to learn about the functions of different parts of a caterpillar. Over two sessions the childrenbecame familiar with the names of the parts and their importance. They were then ready to analyse the parts in more detail and determine their functions.
Other Examples of the Part Whole Map in Action
In the photos below, a different Year 2 class is using the part whole map to analyse a praying mantis. Starting the session by revisiting a shared book with photos of the praying mantis encouraged the children's observation skills. Before completing the part whole map individually, the children participated in a bus stop rotation using speaking frames